The
St. Alexander Newsky Cathedral (hram-pametnik Sveti Aleksandar
Nevski) is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral in Sofia, the capital
of Bulgaria. It was build in honor of Alexander II The Liberator
and the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War
of 1877-1878, as a result of which Bulgaria was liberated from
Ottoman rule. The construction of the St. Alexander Newsky Cathedral
started in 1882 with official ceremony, but it was in fact built
between 1904 and 1912. Following an old tradition, the names
of all parliament members were put inside a metal box, which
was build in the foundation. Constructed in Neo-Byzantine style,
it is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world
and serves as cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria.
With 3170 sq.m. area, the Alexander Nevski Cathedral can accommodate
over 5000 people. The interior is exquisitely ornamented with
Italian marble, onyx from Brazil, alabaster and other rear minerals.
On the arch of the main dome, The Lord's Prayer engraved with
golden letters. The cathedral's domes are gold-plated and the
main one is 45 m high. The bell tower reaches 53 m and has composition
of 12 bells with total weight of 23 tons, cast in Moscow. In
the underground level of the temple is the crypt, where in chronological
order are arranged over 300 exhibits, mostly icons, but also
prints and fragments of frescoes. This is the most representative
collection displaying the development of Bulgarian iconography
since the 9th century. St. Alexander Newsky Cathedral has become
one of Sofia's symbols and primary tourist attractions. In 1924
it is officially recognized national landmark.